Nation Briefs

August 06, 2006

NEW YORK

Toxic dust find slows demolition of building

Demolition work on a skyscraper severely damaged during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks was suspended for one day after high levels of toxic dust were detected on the roof. Demolition was suspended Thursday at the ruined Deutsche Bank building after testing revealed unacceptable levels of silica, which can cause lung diseases. Work resumed Friday after officials decided wetting the roof would prevent people from inhaling the dust. The 41-story building was abandoned after the World Trade Center's south tower partially collapsed on it. Hundreds of human bone fragments have been found at the building since workers began cleaning it last fall and preparing to dismantle the tower. NEW YORK

Ex-church consultant pleads guilty in fraud

A former consultant to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York has pleaded guilty to fraud, tax and obstruction of justice charges stemming from a $2 million kickback and embezzlement scheme. Joseph DeRusso admitted in federal court Friday that he took part in a plot that diverted $1 million in funds meant for food programs for parochial school children, and that he took more than $1.2 million in kickbacks from vendors doing business with the church. Under a plea agreement, he is likely to spend up to six years in prison. Sentencing was set for November. DeRusso, of Florham Park, N.J., is the last of four employees or consultants of the archdiocese's purchasing arm, Institutional Commodity Services Inc., to plead guilty in the case. The other three are scheduled to be sentenced in September. The money diverted from the church's school food program went to companies the four defendants secretly owned and controlled, prosecutors said. CONNELLSVILLE, PA.

Driver runs over niece on entering driveway

A man who ran over his 2-year-old niece while she was playing in her driveway was charged with homicide by vehicle, speeding and other counts, police said. Greg Gibbs, 28, pulled into the driveway at a speed greater than necessary Wednesday evening and ran into Megan Shipley, police said. Authorities said family members had repeatedly told Gibbs to slow down. Gibbs, who has been living with Megan's family, was arraigned Thursday on homicide by vehicle, careless driving, reckless driving and speeding charges. MIAMI

One arrested in death of lost tourist

Police arrested a man Friday in the death of a tourist who authorities believe was robbed and shot when he stopped to ask for directions. Brandon Antron Rolle was charged with first-degree murder and additional charges are possible, said Miami Police spokesman Delrish Moss. Police had issued a warrant for his arrest, and he turned himself in. Rolle was booked into jail. Moss would not say whether Rolle confessed to the crime. Authorities say Ronald Gentile, 54, of Homewood, Ill., was visiting to celebrate his son's 17th birthday. He dropped the teen off at his restaurant job and the two planned to meet later Saturday. Police said they believe Gentile, 54, pulled over to ask for directions when a man approached the car, robbed and shot him. He was pronounced dead en route to a hospital. HILLSBORO, ORE.

Woman gets probation in 911 'cute cop' call

A woman who called 911 in hopes of getting another look at "the cutest cop I've seen in God knows how long" won't go to jail for misusing the emergency system, a judge decided. Instead, Lorna Dudash was sentenced to serve two years of probation and 100 hours of community service, and pay $693 in fines and fees. "People who are, oh, say, older than 7 know not to use 911 except when where is an emergency," Washington County Judge Marco Hernandez told Dudash, of Aloha. Dudash's dream deputy came to her door June 15, along with another officer, to tell her to turn down her music. Afterward, Dudash called emergency dispatchers. "I'm 45 years old and I'd just like to meet him again, but I don't know how to go about doing that without calling 911," she said. The deputy went back, to arrest her. Dudash was sentenced Thursday after pleading guilty. She faced a possible yearlong sentence and a fine of more than $6,000.